What maintenance do these clocks need?

Mechanical movements require periodic cleaning and oiling by a professional horologist to prevent wear on the brass gears. Keeping the clock level on the mantelpiece ensures the pendulum beats evenly. Avoid placing wooden cases near direct heat sources or in damp environments, which can warp the oak timber and crack the dial enamel.

How do I identify the period of a clock?

Examine the stylistic cues of the wooden case, such as Gothic tracery, Arts and Crafts hand carving, or clean Art Deco geometry. The materials used on the dial and bezel also offer strong clues. Maker signatures on the backplate or movement plates help narrow down the exact decade of manufacture and the workshop of origin.

Why does the clock run fast or slow?

Regulation is controlled via a small adjustment nut on the pendulum, which alters its effective length to speed up or slow down the beat. Small adjustments made over several days correct the timekeeping. Temperature changes and the gradual settling of the mantelpiece can also influence the pendulum's rhythm.